1
as in to stoop
to descend to a level that is beneath one's dignity
I will not condescend to answer the sore loser's charge that I cheated in order to win the race
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to patronize
to assume or treat with an air of superiority
wealthy people who tend to be condescending toward their poor relations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of condescend
What might’ve seemed pithy or condescending in another movie becomes downright gorgeous, as each interviewee is bathed in monochromatic light, and shines like a precious jewel.
—
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025
Most of your editorials, John Brummett, Rex Nelson, and John Deering, are blatant Trump haters, and their smug, condescending echo-chamber mindsets are constantly denigrating, mocking, and disrespecting at least 64 percent of your potential readers.
—arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025
However, with this sobriety, a new person is emerging who is critical of and condescending to his siblings and to me.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2025
With a wealth of period video footage, the movie emphasizes the frequently condescending attention Ride and the five other women in her NASA class encountered.
—Caryn James, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for condescend
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025
Most of your editorials, John Brummett, Rex Nelson, and John Deering, are blatant Trump haters, and their smug, condescending echo-chamber mindsets are constantly denigrating, mocking, and disrespecting at least 64 percent of your potential readers.
—arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025
However, with this sobriety, a new person is emerging who is critical of and condescending to his siblings and to me.
—Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 4 Feb. 2025
With a wealth of period video footage, the movie emphasizes the frequently condescending attention Ride and the five other women in her NASA class encountered.
—Caryn James, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for condescend
Cite this Entry
“Condescend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condescend. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share